Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Summary:

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him--and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

(Quoted from goodreads.com)

Thoughts:

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't really that pow-wow which I expected that it'd be after reading the first chapter. I over-expected it.

The first chapter was intriguing, despite already knowing that she'd turn into a samurai. Then it started to bore me out of my wits because it's all about Harper figuring out the 'new' her, then finding out she had to lay her life down to protect the David who she wasn't a fan of, and how she started crumbling out of control of her perfect lifestyle - perfect grades, cca, boyfriend etc. Nothing exciting.

What happened next was she round up to the idea of being a Paladin, finally figuring out that her perfect boyfriend Ryan was nothing more than a trophy and she actually had a thing for David. This was probably the last few chapters which suddenly brought my interest back. Her ex-boyfriend had become a Mage, her best friend had become Paladin and was taken by the enemy, and she, David and Ryan had to become a trio to save the world.

Awkward combination much but that's the general idea for book 2, which is yet to be released.

I was taken aback to know that Harper wasn't all-so-princessy. She wanted perfection way too much that it was sort of a sign of depression, because of her sister. Her beautiful sister who died on the night of Homecoming two years back because she drunk alcohol. Her beautiful sister who owned before all title she was holding now. She sworn not to let her parents down, not like her sister.

David too was a real twist. He was kidnapped, to be more exact, saved from the clutches of the enemies by a Mage and Paladin who were initially ordered to kill him. David was an Oracle and male Oracles were deemed to be an aberration. They were dangerous because their powers could be enhanced through spells, and it could cause the death of many innocents. And for a new Oracle to be born, the existing must die.

I guess what I felt throughout this journey was 'cool' to 'meh' and finally back to 'cool'. There wasn't much of the samurai details which I'd appreciate since it's all about Paladin, but well hopefully book 2 will be better.

x,

bookverie ♡

Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Summary:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

(Quoted from goodreads.com)

Thoughts:

This series is stunning. Absolutely intoxicating, I can't even pause for a moment to take a break! And then bam, end of book three. I literally died y'know because book 4 is only going to be released next year.

Book 1 - Cinder; Book 2 - Scarlet; Book 3 - Cress; Book 4 - Winter.

This is sort of an improvised story of Cinderella mixed with Snow White. But not exactly. Honestly, I think it's really hard to try to beat fairy tales, but Marissa Meyer did it. She did it. I am so awed and grateful to be able to read another best series ever!

Cinder has an evil stepmother, Adri, and two stepsisters, Pearl and Peony. Pearl is evil like Adri, but Peony is her only human friend. Her stepfather died in the plague. Sounds so Cinderella, don't you think? There is a vicious queen who would kill anyone who is more beautiful than her. And she wants to be an empress. She wants to marry Emperor Kai. But Emperor Kai already has his eyes set on Cinder. This is so Snow White, right? So if you love fairy tales, this is definitely one hell of a fantasy novel that you can't miss!

I adore all the characters! Except the evil Queen Levana, who is such a meanie. Will Cinder get a happily ever after? How will the Queen be defeated? Book 4, I cannot wait.

Definitely a big *thumbs up*!! It's not hard to grasp yet there's a certain kind of depth in it that differs from being fairy tales alike. It's not all about Cinder too, nor is it all about romance. There's a good balance in every aspect. After reading this, you'll crave for more.

x,

bookverie ♡

Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Summary:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -not even a smear of blood- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

(Quoted from goodreads.com)

Thoughts:

I wasn't prepared to read this, until I watched the movie - City of Bones. The only reason I picked up this book was because I was unconvinced by the movie. The movie wasn't fantastic before I read the book. After reading, the movie -one word- sucks. I could not picture scenes from the movie as I was reading. First in history. The casts, they were so different. Like Jace should be darker and alluring rather than just intimidating. The only cast I like was Simon Lewis, exactly as described.

Before I start spoiling, I have to emphasize that I dislike this series despite the hype over it. It was draggy. Not because it's a series of six freaking books, but because of the twists. They don't make me crave for more, they make me confused and weary. Proof: I don't see myself getting bored of Harry Potter at all.

Book 1 - City of Bones; Book 2 - City of Ashes; Book 3 - City of Glass; Book 4 - City of Fallen Angels; Book 5 - City of Lost Souls; Book 6 - City of Heavenly Fire (to be released).

The whole story revolved about Clary, her brother Jonathan, her father Valentine and Jace. I felt like Clary was the only strong one in the whole series. She fights in her own way, creating new runes, a rune that binds the underworld together against Valentine. It was kind of ridiculous how Valentine died after how he was being hunted. Surprisingly the one to really fear was actually Jonathan. Clary kissed her own brother! Ewww.

Jace wasn't likable. He's too self-centered, always thinking he could make things okay. I was so annoyed with him! Big ego guy. His stupidity made Lilith tied him to Jonathan, which brought pain to Clary. If Cassandra Clare wrote him out to be so frustrating, she's definitely the best ever. I do not think Jace is hot, not in the books, never in the movie.

I felt sad for Simon, turning into a Vampire unconsciously, being dragged into the underworld just because he was so in love with Clary. Then he had to go through Clary's rejection yet still stay by her side. He was someone special, receiving the 'mark' which was then taken from him leaving him exposed to threats of his own kind, to save Jace again. A little part of me is excited for the last book, because finally he'd be the focus of the story.

One part that was really amusing was the breakup of Alec and Magnus, all because Alec was jealous of Magnus and his past. Warlocks don't die so they have a really long history. In the prequel, Will was close to Magnus because he needed his help. Magnus was being nice because he was attracted to Will's pain.

In each book there's a really epic twist which I'd usually be wowed, but no. Given a second chance, I wouldn't have started on this series. I read on thinking it would be better, so disappointed. The books have their own 'high' points which for me it's all about Simon and Magnus. They're my favorites but sadly they're side characters.

Don't miss out the prequel, Infernal Devices! Click here to read more!

x,

bookverie ♡

Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare

Tip: Read this before starting on Mortal Instruments. It makes you get into situation faster.

Summary:

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters - including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them.

(Quoted from goodreads.com)

Thoughts:

Marvelously written! Fantabulous ohmgee I actually read it twice. The ending was so perfect, too perfect that I didn't question it though the norm me would go 'wtf'.

Book 1 - Clockwork Angel; Book 2 - Clockwork Prince; Book 3 - Clockwork Princess.

The first chapter already stolen my heart. Tessa saved by Will in the really cliche way. Tessa was not human. She was something more powerful, a shape-shifter. She was a forbidden offspring from a demon and shadowhunter. A new race that the Magister wanted to create. She was the to-be-bride of Mortmain, a powerful warlock. The key to give rise to an army of clockwork soldiers, immune to Shadowhunters weapons.

I was heartbroken when I found out the reason why Will was so mean to everyone, why he left his loving family, why he chose Jem as his parabatai. Because of a curse placed upon him that the demon would kill everyone he loved. His older sister died. *Clenches heart* When he realized that the belief imposed was unreal, he wanted Tessa. It was too late. Tessa had agreed to marry Jem. The marriage was unsuccessful, Tessa was taken and Jem became a Silent Brother. Tessa finally found out that she was a warlock, that she couldn't age. After Will died at an old age, she left her kids so she wouldn't have to face another death of her loved ones.

Many parts where my heart wrenched, but there's also many parts where I'm filled with endless joy. Like Charlotte Branwell and Henry Branwell finally realized that they had been in love with each other, Charlotte got pregnant, Tessa and Will got together, and Jem managed to turn back to human and be together with Tessa etc.

As I mentioned, the norm me would think 'Wtf how is it possible to change from a silent brother back to human?' But it was a really good ending because Tessa got together with the two good men! Doubts forgotten haha.

One of the best plots ever! I really felt like riding on a roller coaster ride, with steep ups and downs. Thank you Cassandra Clare for this awesome, beautifully written series!

x,

bookverie ♡

Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. James

(I read this book a couple of months ago, but I think it's good to share because it's gonna be a major motion picture!)

Summary:

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success - his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family - Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

This book is intended for mature audiences.

(Quoted from goodreads.com)

Thoughts:

This book is R21! Totally, no exceptions. I wasn't into the book at all because of me judging the book based on what my friends said. This series is definitely a tale that obsessed me, possessed me, and is gonna stay with me forever.

First off, I was taken aback by how vulgar it was written in. Not the like of 'fuck you cheebye' vulgar, but more of the sexual kind. Dominant-Submissive relationship is what defines Christian and Anastasia. I didn't even know such things exist, so this book has taught me a great deal of things. If you are light-hearted as me, this book is probably a turn-off to you.

Tip: Ignore the sexual descriptions! It'd 100% make you feel better.

I have to say I am super proud of myself to read through the whole three books. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I cannot get enough of it. The moment I chose to ignore things which were disgusting to me, the read was non-stop exciting. I just had to know what's going to happen to both of them!

It was really frustrating to see Christian struggling to open up to new emotions, and even more heartbreaking to witness how Ana was 'abused' yet loved by Christian. The part where Christian flared at Ana when she accidentally got pregnant and went to find his ex-dominant was indescribable. I could literally cry out for Ana y'know!? Stupid Christian for being so self-centered. But the part where Ana sacrificed her life and baby just to keep Christian safe was SO TOUCHING. Kid you not, my heart throbbed, stabbed and joyed at all those.

Book 1 - Fifty Shades of Grey; Book 2 - Fifty Shades Darker; Book 3 - Fifty Shades Freed.

This is definitely a MUST read. You're missing out one of the best novels till date! Don't be judgmental like me in the beginning. I regretted judging the erotic part of the story and missing out the best story ever.

x,

bookverie ♡

Delirium Trilogy by Lauren Oliver

Summary:

Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still I worry. They say in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.

(Quoted from goodreads.com)

Thoughts:

Long story cut short, "If you were told love was a disease, would you take the cure?"

This book is so heartbreaking. I was drawn into it the moment it taunted me to know what is deliria. Why is it deadly? The signs of deliria. Just, everything.

Lena met Alex, and her whole world changed. She learnt about people like Alex, fake deliria-cured people. Love. She fell in love. Her best friend, the one who misled her to the realization of love, betrayed her. Because she was jealous of her love. Her best friend almost had her killed. But Alex sacrificed himself to save her. She managed to scrape life by in The Wilds, where she joined The Resistance and met Julian, an uncured. She finally moved on and fell in love with him. Fate had toyed with her. Alex was alive. He now despised her for leaving him behind and finding new love, until he knew how tough it was for Lena.

Wanna know if Lena chooses Alex or Julian? You got to read it yourself hehe.

Book 1 - Delirium; Book 2 - Pandemonium; Book 2 - Requiem.

Every pace of the book was intense. Her best friend was so bitchy! I hate her, even though at the end she helped Lena. Lena is so strong that I admire her guts for love. Also Alex, he didn't die after all! I was really depressed because he 'died' in book 1. Poor Julian. I have no idea to be happy or sad for him when he realized he was in love with Lena. But he was there for Lena, he threw away his beliefs and family, just to be with her.

The part about love is still tickling me. Can I live without love if there's a cure to end the pain it brings? Love makes you stronger, but falls right apart when being challenged.

x,

bookverie ♡

Panic by Lauren Oliver

Summary:

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She'd never thought herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he's sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he's not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them - and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

(Quoted from goodreads.com)

Thoughts:

I came upon this book through my usual subscribed book vloggers on YouTube and their introduction makes me *squeals* because this is really the kind of fantasy novels I'm glued to. And it's by Lauren Oliver! Her Delirium series gave me a short-lasted rush and I craved so long for more. I was really excited about this book and finally I found the extra time to read! Which was, staying up till 5 am a few nights ago to read it. Gosh, what was I thinking!

It was really hard to absorb in the beginning. I almost gave up. Yeah yeah I know Panic was a game, but being thrown into the game on the first page of the book? So out of the blue! I was then kinda smack in the face upon the introduction of so many characters. Not much details about who they were and it was so difficult to remember them. Out of a sudden, it was a brief recap about why Heather joined the game, then why the game was necessary. I knew the citizens weren't rich, but it wasn't emphasized severely in the book. The prize was $60k cash, which seemingly could last them forever?

I pushed myself on and till the end. *Shakes head* The story was really disappointing. I did love the subtle twists here and there, but many parts of it were so random! So Panic was an illegal game so the players played against law too and had to be careful of being caught by law? The part where Nat suddenly confessed her love to Dodge caught me by surprise too because Nat broke up with him initially and sort of hooked up with another guy, then she suddenly came into picture saying his life is in danger. Then Heather suddenly forgave Bishop for lying to her and they fell in love ... ? Ray ended up in the crash for the last challenge but no more details was given? Was he in life danger or not?

I did love the ending though. Heather won! I thought she was going to die in the car that Dodged had tweak to kill his other competitor, Ray. Happily ever after for all of them.

It was a disappointing read, probably because I expected way too much? It's the kind of read whereby I read till the end because I had to, not because I want to. Nevertheless, I still love Lauren Oliver!

x,
bookverie ♡